On Thursday, during a routine movement in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, an Indian Army vehicle plunged into a deep gorge in Doda district, killing ten soldiers and leaving ten others injured. This is one of the deadliest road accidents involving the Army in recent months.
Officials noted the bullet-proof Army vehicle was travelling along the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road when the driver lost control at Khanni top. The vehicle, carrying 17 Army personnel, skidded off the narrow mountain stretch and fell nearly 200 feet into a gorge. The soldiers were reportedly on their way to a high-altitude post when the accident occurred.
Rescue ops launched after army vehicle accident in Doda
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed the deaths and expressed deep sorrow. “Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda. We will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. My deepest condolences to the grieving families,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support. 10 Injured soldiers have been airlifted to the hospital. Directed the Senior officials to ensure best possible treatment. Praying for their speedy recovery,” he added.
Officials cited by PTI said a joint rescue operation involving the Army and the police was launched immediately after the accident. Ten soldiers were found dead at the site, while nine others were rescued with injuries. Three of the injured, who were in critical condition, were airlifted to the Udhampur military hospital for specialised treatment.
Similar accidents have claimed soldiers’ lives in the past
Earlier this month, two Army porters slipped into a deep gorge near the Line of Control in the Gulmarg sector while on their way to Anita Post. A search and rescue operation was launched, and their bodies were recovered two days later. The deceased were identified as Layaqat Ahmad Deedard, 27, and Ishfaq Ahmad Khatana, 33, both residents of Chandoosa in Baramulla district.
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Just in May last year, three Army personnel were killed when their vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a 700-foot-deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district. The accident took place near Battery Chashma as an Army convoy was travelling from Jammu to Srinagar along National Highway 44. The deceased were identified as Sepoys Amit Kumar, Sujeet Kumar and Man Bahadur.
